32 year old Afghanistan veteran, David Seath,-suffered a cardiac arrest  23 miles down his marathon race, collapsing in Thames Street, near Southwark Bridge. Despite being rushed to St Thomas’ Hospital by paramedics, he died shortly after.  The big hearted and determined army captain was planning to raise £250 for military charity ,, help for heroes, and was close to completion at the time of his ill fate.

 A new Just Giving fundraising page has been set up to continue his good work, and Mr Seath’s friends are also planning to walk the final three miles of the race in honour of his memory. Their message on the Just Giving page reads: “Today we heard the tragic news that our friend Dave Seath passed away whilst taking part in the 2016 Virgin London Marathon.

“He was three miles short of the finish line and collapsed on Upper Thames Street. His friends and colleagues are planning to complete what he started, in his honour. We will walk as one, the final three miles of the marathon, starting where he fell.
“We’re raising money for Help for Heroes, a cause he ran and died for. He was our friend and hero. Please share this page far and wide.”

Mr Seath commanded a six-man specialist team operating in “hostile environments and was the second in command on the ground to the infrantry company commander.  A man credited for being polished and intelligent, he was an achiever of sorts, excelling academically and in his professional domain.  He achieved two Masters degrees from the University of Aberdeen- international relations and management Studies- that in itself an success far and beyond what was needed for his eventual service for his country.

In a statement from his from  friends and colleagues,  “We’re raising money for Help for Heroes, a cause he ran and died for. He was our friend and hero. Please share this page far and wide.”

Mr Seath grew up in Arbroath, on the East coast of Scotland, before studying International Relations and Management Studies at the University of Aberdeen. He attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and became a commissioned officer in 2010. He was most recently the Fire Support Team Commander for the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, according to his LinkedIn profile, and commanded a six-man sepecialist team operating in “hostile environments” and was the second in command on the ground to the infrantry company commander.

There isn’t much information about the state of his health conditions at the time of his death, w but the manner and timing of his death was so tragic. Our warmest condolences go to the friends and family of mr Seath,  and may his soul rest in perfect peace.